Fenomenon Stratos concept

The Stratos concept from this new design company appeared to be generating a lot of interest from visitors, with many fellow designers dropping by to see the car for themselves and soak up the lounge atmosphere of the stand.

The company, led by designers Chris Hrabalek and Serge Porcher, aims to put the car into production depending on the reaction from enthusiasts at the show. The car was one of a number of models at the show with a strong 70s influence to it, set off by a fresh metallic lime green paint, which appeared to suit it. In the flesh, the result is exciting, although the deep body side and very short wheelbase is possibly a little exaggerated.

Also shown were a couple of 1/4 scale models of variations on the car including a rally version with additional intakes in the hood and sides. Also featured on the stand was the original Bertone Stratos concept, painted in its original fluorescent matte red from the 1970 Geneva Motor Show.

Related Stories:
First Sight - Fenomenon Stratos

IED X1/99 concept

The X1/99 is a contemporary sports car design that takes inspiration from the original, Bertone designed X1/9 of 1972. Designed by seven students of the post-diploma transportation course at the European Institute of Design in Turin, the X1/9 aims to show what type of 'sporting Fiat' would rejuvenate the brand if produced.

The concept’s core functional innovation is a roof that folds to become a rear seat when the car is open, although only having rear seats when the roof is off might not be such a strong USP. A relatively long wheelbase, a unique design theme and well resolved surfaces make this an attractive and distinct design, if not as expressive as the Stratos – another compact, mid engine, early seventies sports car reincarnation debuting at the show.

But what is particularly unique about this design is that it demonstrates a successful collaboration between educational and business establishments - in this case Fiat and Webasto. In doing so it exposes students’ capabilities in an environment of industry concept and production cars, and generates valuable publicity for the sponsoring companies. Lets hope that we see more of this type of project in the future...

Related Stories:
Design development of the IED X1/99 concept

ItalDesign Mitsubishi Nessie concept

The Nessie concept “aims to offer advanced solutions to the environment-friendly dilemma surrounding SUVs”, according to ItalDesign. If so, then why is this concept styled so like many previous Tonka-like SUVs we've seen before? The Nessie appears surprisingly unresolved for a Giugiaro concept, looking too tall and narrow and sitting on oversized 22” tyres. The dark paint colour also didn't help as the glass graphics in the lower door and panoramic roof were unreadable and the colour made the car look even stubbier than its toy-like profile required.

Which is a shame, because the technology under the skin is interesting. The 2.5 volume SUV coupé, developed in collaboration with Mitsubishi, uses a V8 engine and a hydrogen fuel system, supplied by the Linde Group and could have displayed some genuinely fresh solutions to an important dilemma. In summary, many designers that CDN spoke to felt the Nessie was the disappointment of the show.

SEAT Leon Prototype

This unexpected show car preview of the forthcoming second generation Leon demonstrates SEAT’s intent to more convincingly realise their 'sporty' brand in the cars they produce.

Like its predecessor, the new Leon is based on the platform of the Golf, but is 140mm longer, 60mm wider and 50mm lower to give it palpably more svelte and sporty proportions than other European C-sector cars. This is further emphasised by a very fast DLO that runs to a very sharp point in the quarter-light ahead of the door and by the distinctly Seat side feature line. Hidden rear door handles that necessitate an unusual recess in the rear side window also give a sporty feel – something that the Altea lost in translation from preview to production design (and was apparently not possible to package on the new Alfa Romeo 159 – lamentably).

A-pillar mounted windscreen wipers, a very curved tailgate aperture and huge front air intakes are other notable exterior design elements which, like much of the car, are similar to the Altea. This new design makes a lot of sense for the brand; it has a clear sporting intent and a lot of distinctive Seat design DNA.

Mercedes-Benz B-Class

The new B-class that debuts at Geneva is little changed from the CST (Compact Sports Tourer) shown in Paris last year – smaller wheels, different colours and interior materials, and more conventional rear lights are the only notable alterations.

Because it is based on a lengthened A-class platform, the B-class has the same innovative powertrain and front crash structure which means it has about 200mm less front overhang than other front wheel drive cars, and as a consequence, a longer wheelbase than the otherwise dimensionally similar European five seat mini MPVs like the Seat Altea and Ford C-max. As such it has a longer cabin, albeit a shallower one due to the thick sandwich floor, which in turn explains why the front occupants sit with legs extended forwards unlike the more upright seating position of traditional, tall cabin MPVs.

Because of its brand, the interrelated premium price, and its particularly dynamic exterior design identity, the B-class will not compete with mainstream mini-MPVs. Instead it will create its own niche of sports premium mini-MPV just as the BMW 3 series once did with the D-sector. The B-class is in many ways a harbinger of future Mercedes Benz cars, as well as a trend setting type of car.

Related Stories:
Mercedes-Benz CST Vision B - Paris 2004
Design Review: Mercedes-Benz Vision CST

BMW 3 Series

The show debut of the new 3 Series: the last of the first-generation BMW new wave. In the media this car has been criticised for being too conservative which illustrates how expectations of BMW design has changed. But in the flesh, whilst unequivocally the least expressive of current BMWs, it is far from conservative when compared to other European premium D-sector cars.

From a face more stern than its predecessor (or the 1 Series or 5 Series) subtly innovative surfaces run from the lamps and down the flanks of the car. The rear three quarter is the least successful aspect with multiple horizontal lines behind the wheel, and lamps cited by several designers CDN spoke to as being similar to the Mitsubishi Carisma.

Inside the crisply defined simplicity of the single binnacle IP is compromised with the optional centre I-Drive binnacle and some trim packages jar with an otherwise modern aesthetic, executed, like the exterior, with a little more reserve than its siblings but with a combination of quality and freshness absent in all its competitors.

From a distance the new 3 is not particularly distinctive. But up close there is much to see in this design; which is good because very soon we’ll be seeing a lot of them!

Related Stories:
BMW 3 Series - First Sight

Page 4 of 5